1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Porsche 356 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2005 Volvo V50 has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Porsche | Volvo |
| Model | 356 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 62 L |
